I’m currently on my review trip to Hong Kong, and just wrapped up a quick stay at the St. Regis Hong Kong. This is one of the points hotels that I’ve most wanted to stay at, so I’m glad I had the chance to do so on this trip. While I’ll have a full review soon, I want to share a couple of quick thoughts on the property.
Long story short, there’s a lot to like about this hotel, and I had a great stay. However, I’m not sure I’d return, but that’s not to say that I wouldn’t recommend the hotel for others.
In this post:
There’s a lot to like about the St. Regis Hong Kong
The St. Regis Hong Kong is an excellent hotel in nearly every way, and I had a very enjoyable stay. The property’s design is gorgeous, and feels grand and intimate at the same time.
The rooms at the hotel are also nicely designed, and in line with my style preferences. While I didn’t get a suite upgrade (none were available), I got a very nice corner room on the top floor. The bed couldn’t have been more comfortable, the bathroom was great (particularly the shower pressure), and I found the room design to be super functional.
Beyond that, service at the St. Regis is excellent. All the staff I interacted with were incredibly kind, and went above and beyond to ensure guests had a great stay. Like, staff in the lobby restaurant would remember guest names and preferences, which is impressive. While the lobby feels pretty grand, the hotel still has a boutique vibe to it, which I like.
I also love how the St. Regis Hong Kong offers butler service in all rooms, including coffee and tea service. This hotel also has the most generous execution I’ve seen on this benefit. 24/7 you can order unlimited coffee, tea, and orange juice to your room. And we’re not just talking drip coffee but even iced lattes, cappuccinos, etc.
The hotel also has a strong food & beverage game. There are two restaurants each with two Michelin stars, which is super impressive. On top of that, there’s The Drawing Room (the lobby lounge), and the St. Regis Bar.
Breakfast is served in the Drawing Room, and I love it — it’s not a buffet, but instead, it’s an unlimited a la carte concept, so you can order as much as you’d like, all freshly prepared. For example, I had the Japanese set breakfast, and ordered a Korean cronut (I was intrigued, and couldn’t resist).
Why I’d stay somewhere else next time
I’d absolutely recommend the St. Regis, and I had a great stay. However, I don’t think I’d stay again. Why? Well, let me explain…
Hong Kong is one of my favorite cities in the world, and to me, Victoria Harbour is probably the most electrifying view that exists on earth. In a lot of places, I don’t think it’s worth paying the money for a room with a view, given how pricey it could be.
However, Hong Kong is a city where a view means so much to me. Just give me a good view of the harbor, and I’m a very happy camper. I don’t really care if I’m on the Kowloon side or the Hong Kong Island side, I just love to look at Victoria Harbour.
The St. Regis Hong Kong is located on Hong Kong Island, in the Wan Chai area. I like the area in general, but the issue is that the hotel doesn’t really have great views. For example, the only room categories described as offering harbor views are the presidential suite and one suite below that, so that’s going to be out of my budget. 😉
The other best category is for partial harbor views, and that’s the room I was in. I was even in a corner room on the top floor. Below is what the view looked like from my room. 
The issue is twofold. For one, you don’t have much of a harbor view. Yes, you can see a small part of it, but it doesn’t capture the essence. Second, though, you’re really close to another building, so you don’t feel like you have much privacy.
To be clear, the hotel doesn’t pretend it offers amazing harbor views, or anything, so I knew this going in. But having stayed there, I realized how much I value having great views in Hong Kong. Next time I’d go out of my way to stay at a hotel known for views, since that’s the single feature I value most in a Hong Kong hotel.
Again, that’s just me. It’s not a knock on the hotel, which is great, it’s just a specific preference I have in Hong Kong, which I don’t necessarily have in the same way in other cities.
Bottom line
The St. Regis Hong Kong is a lovely hotel, and an asset to the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. If you want a hotel with beautiful rooms, great service, and excellent restaurants, stay here. I had a very good stay, though I was just kind of sad about the lack of views from the hotel.
Obviously I knew the lack of views going in, since the hotel isn’t misleading guests, or anything. However, having experienced it, I’d definitely prioritize staying at a hotel with views next time. But that’s just me…
If you’ve stayed at the St. Regis Hong Kong, what was your experience like?
I was puzzled years ago when I saw the start of construction on this lot. I used to work in a tower in that area, and that particular strip of office development is one of the least inspiring parts of HK island. The site they chose was already boxed in on nearly all sides.
Most business travelers to Hong Kong prefer to stay on the island side, so I believe Marriott chose to take this...
I was puzzled years ago when I saw the start of construction on this lot. I used to work in a tower in that area, and that particular strip of office development is one of the least inspiring parts of HK island. The site they chose was already boxed in on nearly all sides.
Most business travelers to Hong Kong prefer to stay on the island side, so I believe Marriott chose to take this site to get a St Regis hotel on the island, as so few large plots come available in Central and Wanchai. However, given the location, I really don't believe they'll be able to compete on rates with the Mandarin, Four Seasons, Islabd Shangri-La etc. mor cinfusingly, Marriott has once again confused brand standards here - the JW Marriott at Pacific Place offers a better location and far better views, the St Regis location is simply a massive step down. The JW will be the better hotel to choose for most people if you want to stick to Marriott.
I loved the view at the Ritz when I stayed several years ago. The hotel is on floors 102-118 so basically unobstructed views of the Hong Kong side and is beautiful at sunset.
I had wonderful views from Renaissance Harbour View. I believe it's in same complex as Grand Hyatt.
I haven't stayed there, but surely the view from the Ritz Carlton is amazing.
The best value view in the whole of Hong Kong is available at the Ibis North Point!
Or the Salisbury YMCA next to the Peninsular for a fraction of the cost
Peninsula has unparalleled, almost 180-degree harbor views, especially if you are on a higher floor.
Unparalleled? Best views by far are from the Rosewood. FS has great views too, but doesn't get any better than Rosewood. Peninsula is situated further back. Great hotel though.
Four Seasons has the best view and great location, very central to everything and it's located in a mall.
FS HK also has zero personality. Bland template hotel for FS.
What are the Hong Kong hotels with the best views?
I have not stayed there but just had a similar experience in Bangkok, a city I also think has spectacular views from hotel rooms.
I recently stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. Unfortunately a new building has just been constructed next door, with the equivalent of a small street between the buildings. Now all the rooms on the south side of the Waldorf Astoria have a view of a wall. And to clarify, when...
I have not stayed there but just had a similar experience in Bangkok, a city I also think has spectacular views from hotel rooms.
I recently stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. Unfortunately a new building has just been constructed next door, with the equivalent of a small street between the buildings. Now all the rooms on the south side of the Waldorf Astoria have a view of a wall. And to clarify, when we checked in they told us the room looked out to “a wall.”
This was super disappointing and while we were able to negotiate to be moved to the other side of the hotel (north side), the views were just as sad. Uninteresting buildings or a 6th floor tennis court on an adjacent rooftop.
While the room was fabulous, I’ll never stay at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok again for lack of view.
Feels like a bit of a missed opportunity to not try some non-points hotels in Hong Kong since they're among the best; maybe you can remedy that for your next trip.
For views, I'd suggest the Upper House on the island side and/or the Rosewood on the Kowloon side. There's also the newly renovated Regent (which is a points hotel, but not as good as the other two mentioned). The Four Seasons pool also has a great view.
Stayed at the Regent before it was rebranded from IHG and agree the view was incredible. Doing a short stay in a few months and still haven't figured out where to stay, where I will replicate that amazing view again.
@Brodle
The former-IC Hong Kong was definitely a crowd favourite for the view, and probably one of the best conventional views (I exclude RC because that's more of a "helicopter view", which you either love it or feel it's meh).
Weak room upgrade
They ain't giving suites away to diamonds if they can sell 'em for cash.
I think it is safe to say that a St Regis will not grant an upgrade to a Diamond. Think about it. That being said, Ben said none were available.